<p>Based upon what I have seen with respect to the University of Florida, I think that being a URM is a significant advantage at a public university.</p>
<p>However, some states have their own rules regarding affirmative action. For example, I think that in Texas, they take you if you are in the top 10% of your high school class, even if the high school is not the greatest. Indirectly, that helps inner city URMs.</p>
<p>Also, if you can afford to pay the OOS tuition, that is a big plus, because many states are hurting for money.</p>
<p>Why the concentration on public schools? Private schools are probably more likely to give you aid, especially if you apply to a private school a little below your pay grade.</p>
<p>I agree that you should apply to 20 schools, but applying to too many public schools is probably being redundant.</p>
<p>My friend’s daughter (white), got into almost every public school she applied to. Probably the admission standards at many public schools are roughly equivalent.</p>
<p>So I would say that you are on the right track, but throw a few more “reaches” in there.</p>